Nakanoshima is a small island sandwiched between the Dojima-gawa and Tosabori-gawa rivers in central Osaka. It is home to many of the city’s cultural institutions and administrative buildings.
Nakanoshima hosts numerous municipal offices, newspaper headquarters, banks, and major companies, along with the city’s art museum, science museum, public halls, and other cultural centres — all nestled within a green oasis along the rivers’ banks.
Nakanoshima Park (Nakanoshima-kōen) is actually the first park ever established in Osaka. This peaceful space offers a welcome escape from the city’s fast pace, with scenic trees and a rose garden showcasing varieties from around the world.
The Osaka Municipal Oriental Porcelain Museum is well worth a visit, featuring over 2,000 pieces of fine porcelain from Japan, China, and Korea. A favourite with families is the Science Museum, whose planetarium boasts the world’s largest dome screen. The planetarium uses Omni-Max technology to project the universe in stunning detail.
Other fascinating attractions include the Pharmaceutical and History Museum, and the Entrepreneurial Museum of Challenge and Innovation. The latter offers interactive exhibits similar to a science museum and is fun for the whole family. Art lovers will also enjoy Osaka’s fine art gallery, located within the park and known for its impressive collection of neo-Renaissance and classical artworks.
For a stunning night-time photo opportunity, don’t miss the beautifully lit Municipal Library and Public Hall — both over 100 years old — located at the eastern edge of the island.
